The Wisconsin football player that could become a household name this season

Who's your breakout star for 2025? Vinny Anthony is my pick.
Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) makes a reception during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) makes a reception during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There are a few Wisconsin Badgers who could have breakout seasons in 2025. There's even one that I predict will be a household name among football fans by the end of the season: star wide receiver Vinny Anthony II. I'm not the only one with this bold prediction; on social media, someone else posted the same idea.

Vinny Anthony II could be set for a huge 2025 campaign

Why the praise for Anthony? He had a great season in the midst of a bad Wisconsin season, with 39 receptions for 672 yards and four touchdowns. He led the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns. Will Pauling had more catches than him by three. He looked comfortable and confident and yet still growing. This next season could be a breakout year for him for a few reasons.

1. He's the best in the Big Ten against man coverage

As you can see in the social media post above, Anthony is the best receiver in the league against man coverage. He leads the conference in most yards per target when someone is playing him 1-1. That's just a recipe for a good season next year. You can read more about that here.

2. He's got a much better QB throwing to him

Braedyn Locke was rated as one of the worst Big Ten quarterbacks last season. Now, he wasn't supposed to be thrown into the starting role and was planning to be the backup, but it was tough on Vinny Anthony, and yet he still had a great season. Next season, he has a returning Big Ten starter from Maryland in Billy Edwards Jr., who was better statistically across the board than Locke.

3. He's a now a veteran on the roster and is ready to wear the mantle

Anthony is now a veteran. He's got two full seasons under his belt, and he will start to perform like the best wide receiver in the room because he is. His mindset as a veteran will help him unlock another level of confidence against Big Ten coverages.

Prediction: Vinny Anthony II becomes a household name in 2025.